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Archive for January, 2021

Tomahawk Robotics Brings its Kinesis “Universal Robotic Controller” App for Unmanned Systems to MPU5 Networked Radio

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

Tomahawk Robotics, developer of the Kinesis common control system, joins other industry partners using Persistent’s Wave Relay® mobile ad hoc network and associated hardware.

NEW YORK, Jan. 19, 2021 // — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) announced today that Tomahawk Robotics has joined the Wave Relay® Ecosystem, a rapidly growing industry alliance of unmanned system and sensor companies that use Persistent’s Wave Relay® mobile ad hoc network (MANET) as their preferred network.

As part of this agreement, Tomahawk Robotics will make its Kinesis, an Android™-based common control system for leading unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned aircraft systems, available for Persistent’s MPU5 Android™-based MANET radio and Rugged Display and Controller (RDC).

“Basically, this provides a ‘universal controller’ for unmanned systems that resides on the MPU5 and is accessed with the RDC, both of which the dismounted warfighter would already be carrying,” said Brian Mcdonald, Field Operations Director at Persistent Systems. “So, you eliminate the weight and cost of extra hardware, and you bring Tomahawk’s all-encompassing Kinesis capability to everyone on the tactical team, not just the UxV operator.”

The MPU5 runs the Android operating system, enabling apps like Kinesis to be loaded directly onto the radio, while the RDC provides the touch screen, joysticks, and gamepad buttons in a formfactor the size of a commercial smartphone.

“With the intuitive, easy-to-use Kinesis, you can operate any unmanned system on the land, in the air or on the water,” said Matt Summer, CTO at Tomahawk Robotics. “You don’t need specialized controllers or training for each individual system.”

Should the mission require, as in the case of finely manipulating the arm of a bomb disposal robot, the MPU5 and RDC can operate seamlessly with the Tomahawk Robotics Mimic spatial controller.

“We look forward to collaborating with Tomahawk Robotics because, together, we are bringing the warfighter incredible capabilities in a small, lightweight package, making it easier on the user and more affordable for the customer,” Mcdonald said.

Posted in Comms, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Tomahawk Robotics Brings its Kinesis “Universal Robotic Controller” App for Unmanned Systems to MPU5 Networked Radio

TacJobs – SCALARWORKS Seeks Dealer Account Coordinator and Assembly Technician

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

SCALARWORKS is seeking a Dealer Account Coordinator who is responsible for processing wholesale orders, and managing our growing network of dealers as well as an Assembly Technician who is responsible for assembling and packaging all Scalarworks products and optic bundles.

About SCALARWORKS

The SCALARWORKS team is bright, highly motivated, and values work-life balance. Located in Easton, Pennsylvania; we’re growing fast and we have lots of great advancement opportunities. Some of the things to look forward to when working at Scalarworks are: 40h work week / Performance Bonuses / Matching 401k / Great Health Insurance Plans / Paid Vacation / Paid Medical Leave / Gym Membership Credit / Employee Discounts.

To apply for either position, visit scalarworks.com/careers.

Posted in TacJobs | Comments Off on TacJobs – SCALARWORKS Seeks Dealer Account Coordinator and Assembly Technician

SIG Ammunition Produced & Delivered Over 825,000 Rounds of 6.8x51mm Composite Case Ammo for US Army Next Generation Squad Weapons Program Prototype Test #2

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

Last month SIG Ammunition delivered 825,000 rounds of their composite cased 6.8x51mm ammunition to the US Army for Prototype Test #2 of the Next Generation Squad Weapons program. This is in addition to earlier deliveries as part of the program as well as ammunition used for in-house development and testing. All told, I’d estimate they’re approaching over one million rounds of next generation hybrid cased ammunition.

The NGSW program will replace the 5.56mm M4 Carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon with a new Rifle and Automatic Rifle at the squad level in close combat formations like infantry and cavalry scouts. The other services are monitoring the program as well to decide if they want to participate.

In addition to the ammunition, NGSW-AR lightweight machine guns, and NGSW-R rifles mentioned above, the program also includes suppressors. Additionally, they are working on a dedicated Fire Control system with other vendor teams.

At the heart of this program is the ammunition. The Army gave industry a 6.8mm projectile and a performance specification, but left it up to them on how to best deliver that projectile within the required performance parameters.

Turns out, that performance they are seeking is similar to 270 Win Short Mag. The velocities required to achieve the desired effects for that 6.8mm projectile on target call for extremely high chamber pressures in excess of 80,000 psi; previously unheard of for small arms.

As if it wasn’t enough that the ammunition is a larger caliber than what it is replacing, it has to be at least 20% lighter as well. The SIG ammunition hybrid design beats that goal at 23.5% lighter than the weight of an equivalent energy cartridge (270 WSM). Below, you can see the hybrid case next to conventional all brass cased ammunition.

This is no science project. The Army plans to pick a solution by next year. While the engineering alone is daunting, industry has to also be able to actually manufacture the ammunition and weapons they’ve designed, in the event they are selected.

NGSW Candidates

The requirement has led to some interesting solutions. From an opening crowd of 16 industry teams offering various solutions, the Army narrowed it down to just three: SIG SAUER with their own hybrid cased ammunition consisting of brass body and steel head; General Dynamics-OTS teamed with True Velocity to introduce a recyclable polymer cased cartridge; and Textron Systems using a Case Telescoped cartridge which features a polymer case that completely encases the projectile and propellant, resembling a rimless shotgun shell. This slide depicts all of the candidate systems.

SIG’s Hybrid Case Ammunition Solution

SIG has been producing this ammunition in their Jacksonville, Arkansas factory. Last Fall, I had the opportunity to check out their operation. During the tour I witnessed manufacturing of commercial ammunition as well as the .300 WinMag ammunition under contract for the US Army and the new composite case rounds in 6.8x51mm for the NGSW program.

I’ll highlight their process for manufacturing the composite case at the time of my visit. Over time, it may change slightly due to regular upgrades in both processes and machinery. For example, when the cartridge case was first created, SIG used a three-piece design which included an internal aluminum lock washer to hold the head and case together. In the cutaway below you can see the washer in the three-piece design. Since then, they’ve refined it to a two-piece design which streamlines manufacturing and also saves even more weight and cost.

The hybrid design not only lowers weight compared to traditional all brass cased ammunition, but there are additional advantages as well. There is also more strength in the steel head where you need it, yet they retain the malleable brass case that works very well in the firing cycle. Forming the brass case body the way they do also means it is more uniform and they get an extra 200-300 feet per second muzzle velocity from the same load compared to conventional all brass case.

SIG Ammunition manufactures the hybrid case and complete round using the same types of machines used to manufacture all brass cased ammunition.

In this image you can see the processes to manufacture a conventional all brass 5.56mm case which is the lower set in the image.

1. Cup

2. Final Draw and Trim

3. Primer Pocket

4. Head Stamp

5. Pierce / Body Anneal

6. Taper

7. Mouth Anneal / Stress Relief

8. Polish / Final Inspect

With the hybrid case (upper set of cases), the steel head is manufactured separately and the case body and head are combined in a press. Otherwise, the processes are quite similar to conventional bass cased ammo.

While SIG is working on their own primers, which are still a ways out, SIG uses commercial primers and propellants combined with government furnished projectiles to manufacture the 6.8x51mm next generation ammunition.

Commercial Applications

Never fear. While this ammunition was developed for NGSW, SIG is poised to offer a commercial version, called 277 SIG FURY.

From the outset of the NGSW program SIG planned on offering this ammunition commercially to the consumer. During my visit Jason Imhoff, Director of Ammunition Engineering at SIG, related, “The thought of civilians not having access to a new military cartridge never even crossed my mind.”

They went through the process to introduce a new cartridge to the market, working with the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) beginning in June 2019 when SIG submitted drawings and proof load information to the summer meeting.

Due to the round’s high chamber pressures, SIG had to work with SAAMI’s Technical Working Group to develop new certification procedures. Despite delays due to COVID, the Joint Technical Committee approved the Technical Data Package.

Initially, 277 SIG FURY will be offered as an option for the SIG Cross bolt action rifle. In fact, the Cross was developed using 277 SIG Fury proof loads. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the upcoming MCX Spear, a heavy variant of the MCX which they developed for NGSW, chambered in 277 SIG FURY offered for sale down the road.

Jason Imhoff also told me that SIG doesn’t plan on stopping with the .277 variant. He foresees a 6.5 and possibly .308 versions of SIG FURY which utilize the hybrid case for higher velocities. Who knows where they’ll go after that.

The Way Ahead

Prototype Test #2 of the Next Generation Squad Weapons program has already begun and the Army will soon make a decision on which candidate system it wants to move forward with. Meanwhile, SIG will continue to refine their hybrid ammunition case technology and offer it to civilian and government customers alike.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo | 42 Comments »

Next Generation of Night Vision Technology Tested Before Equipping Warfighters

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina – Operational Airborne Soldiers here wrapped up testing new night vision goggles and a laser range finder.

To determine the operational effectiveness and suitability of the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B) — the Army’s next generation of night vision system — and the Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder (STORM II), Soldiers conducted multiple jumps, despite a few setbacks with weather and COVID-19.

“This is the end of a long road for these two programs,” said Bill Slaven, test officer with the Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate.

“Both programs had suffered impacts to their acquisition time line due to the influences of COVID-19 in the preceding months.”

The ENVG-B equips Soldiers with situational awareness by providing not only cutting edge night vision technology, but also providing real-time combat information and navigation assistance.

Staff Sgt. Michael Wagner, an Infantry squad leader from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, hailing from Tampa Florida said, “The new capabilities of the ENVG will make night dismounted navigation much simpler.”

The STORM II is a rifle-mounted laser range finder with infrared aiming capabilities.

It is intended to provide Soldiers accurate range-to-target information when employing organic and indirect weapons systems.

STORM II also provides an infrared aiming reticule for the Soldier’s primary weapon during limited visibility.

Testing for the STORM II culminated with MFF testing by local Fort Bragg special operations Soldiers to address special operations community requirements when employing the STORM II during and subsequent to MFF infiltration.

During this phase of testing, the STORM II was jumped exposed during MFF operations, providing the critical test conditions of rapid altitude change, temperature and atmospheric pressure existing during free-fall jumps.

SPC Jacob O’Brien of Easton, Massachusetts, with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division was one of the STORM II primary operators during all phases of testing.

“I like it!,” he said of STORM II. “It’s a very durable system that attaches securely to my rifle and maintains its zero.”

STORM II testing was delayed due to the influences of tropical weather in November but completed in early December with the final free-fall test trials by Soldiers from the 3rd Special Forces Group.

However, unlike previous tests of this nature conducted during early 2020, unique challenges surfaced due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic at Fort Bragg, which brought about a few new procedures.

“The new normal test day now begins with social distancing, temperature checks, medical screening and bubble assignments,” said Wayne Lovely, an ABNSOTD Test Officer.

“Consequently, paratroopers are a very hard demographic to socially distance,” said Maj. John Phillips, ABNSOTD Deputy of Chief of testing.

“Military aircraft are inherently designed to deliver the maximum amount of Soldiers possible in the least amount of space, and the proximity of a jumpmaster to the jumper is non-negotiable when inspecting the lifesaving parachute of a Soldier.”

“Our goal is to keep the Soldiers participating in testing socially distant and safe during every phase of our operations,” said Slaven.

He said upon arrival each morning, participating soldiers were given temperature checks by ABNSOTD staff and assigned to a specific work bubble for the day.

“This ensured that the operational soldiers had minimal exposure to support staff and employees not directly involved with their mission,” Slaven added.

“Operational Testing is about Soldiers. It is about making sure that the systems developed are effective in a Soldier’s hands and suitable for the environments in which Soldiers train and fight,” said Col. Brad Mock, Director of ABNSOTD.

Story by Mike Shelton, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command

Photos by James Finney, Barry Fischer, and Chris O’Leary, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Optics, Parachuting | Comments Off on Next Generation of Night Vision Technology Tested Before Equipping Warfighters

Vertx Combines Utility and Style with the New Vaporcore Shirt

Tuesday, January 26th, 2021

Capitol Dress Shirt Newest Addition to the Prepared Professional’s™ Arsenal

Cincinnati, Ohio – Vertx®, a leading manufacturer of low-profile tactical apparel and accessories, announces the launch of the Capitol Dress Shirt; a classic, professional button down with 37.5® active particle technology. Offered in White Noise, a crisp white, and Jettison Blue, a classic blue, the shirts are now available online at vertx.com and in-store. Customers can find their nearest dealer using the Vertx® store locator at vertx.com/store-locator.

“At Vertx® we serve many professionals working in both public and private security where they are often required to dress for casual and formal environments,” said Denny Bogard, GM/VP of Vertx. “A full day in suit and tie gets uncomfortable pretty quickly and especially on the job. We’ve designed the Capitol Shirt to combat the challenges our customers face when it comes to the mobility and comfort of professional attire.”

Part of the expanding line of VaporeCore™ products, the Capitol Dress Shirt is built using 37.5® active particle technology fabrics. 37.5® particles attract sweat vapor away from the skin and absorb the body’s natural infrared (IR) light, releasing it when hot. This means that under layers and during strenuous activity, the Capitol Shirt is working with the wearer to keep them cool, dry and odor-free. In addition to its temperature-regulating fabric, the Capitol is constructed to provide the utmost in mobility. Its tapered athletic fit and extended tail eliminates interference with holsters and when drawing. Even when worn under a jacket or sport coat, the Capitol’s underarm articulation allows for unrestricted range of motion. The Capitol proves that tactical advantage and professional appearance aren’t mutually exclusive. Learn more about the Vertx® Capitol Dress Shirt and the rest of the VaporCore™ line at vertx.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Press Release | 2 Comments »

US Army Updates Grooming Standards

Tuesday, January 26th, 2021

Revised Army regulation and grooming standards support diversity, equity and inclusion and people first priority

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army has announced major revisions to Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, which will include guidance on wearing the new Army Green Service Uniform and several other key changes. In addition, the Army is also revising its grooming standards to support its People First priority and diversity and inclusion efforts.

“The Army must continue to put people first by fostering a culture of trust that accepts the experiences and backgrounds of every Soldier and civilian,” said Lt. Gen. Gary Brito, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. “Our diverse workforce is a competitive advantage, and the Army must continue to offer fair treatment, access and opportunity across the force.”

The new version of AR 670-1 will go into effect Feb. 24. Major changes include implementation of the AGSU, clarified policy on breastfeeding or pumping in uniform, authorization for breastfeeding/pumping Soldiers to wear an optional undershirt, implementation of the Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform, and full transition to the Operational Camouflage Pattern — removing references to the Universal Camouflage Pattern.

“The Army has maintained a longstanding tradition of Soldiers presenting a clean and professional appearance,” said Sgt. Maj. Mark Anthony Clark from the Army’s Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (G-1). “A professional appearance is an outward manifestation of the pride they have in themselves and in service to our country.”

New grooming standards, which will be reflected in a forthcoming memo (ALARACT), will also go into effect in February. Approved revisions include optional wear of earrings, lipstick and nail colors for women and clear nail polish for men. Earrings will remain unauthorized in field environments, combat-related deployments or locations where access to normal hygiene is not available.

Approved hairstyle changes include no minimum hair length for female Soldiers, allowing multiple hairstyles at once (i.e. braiding, twists or locs). Soldiers will be able to wear ponytails if unable to form a bun, and may wear long ponytails while conducting physical training, in the combat uniform or when female Soldiers wear equipment such as, but not limited to, combat helmets.

“In an effort to stop hair damage and loss stemming from hairstyles like the bun, the Army approved healthier hairstyle options that are more inclusive of various natural styles,” said Clark.

Soldiers will also be allowed to have a uniform hair color blend (also known as highlights) as long as it presents a natural appearance. However, purple, blue, pink, green, orange, bright red, fluorescent or neon colors, and some others will be prohibited.

In addition, the revised regulation will not contain potentially offensive language used to describe several hairstyles – for example, “Mohawk, eccentric, faddish, Fu Manchu, dreadlock” – which will be replaced with alternative verbiage.

“We are continuously assessing our policies to identify areas for improvement, then implementing policies that demonstrate our commitment to ensuring all Soldiers feel as though they are valued members of the Army team,” said Brito. “We know that actions speak louder than words when it comes to inclusivity and equity within our ranks, and we believe that the changes we announced today are one example of policies that put our people first.”

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

Editor’s note: Here is the link to the updated DA PAM 670-1

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 16 Comments »

Terrain 365 Invictus-ATC

Tuesday, January 26th, 2021

Compact Edition, Rustproof, Non-Magnetic, Edge Holding Folder

Tuesday January 26, 2021 Terrain 365™ releases the Invictus-ATC. A compact version of its big brother featuring their super alloy Terravantium™ in a 3” blade. This technical framelock folder is engineered for use in any environment on land, in and even under water, without ever rusting, pitting or staining. The Invictus-ATC is made with advanced and state of the art materials which are all 100% non-ferrous, non-magnetic, and rustproof. Terrain 365’s “AT” (A.ll T.errain) designated folders are required meet the trifecta of apex folding knife performance criteria; rustproof, non-magnetic and edge holding. The dendritic cobalt composition and annealing process of Terravantium™ achieves all three.

The Invictus-ATC is a collaboration between Terrain 365 and Prometheus Design Werx.

Creative Director and Co-Founder Patrick Ma of Terrain 365 states,

“This is the compact version of our most popular model the Invictus-AT. With a 3” Terravantium™ blade and an OAL of 7” open, this framelock features all the properties and characteristics of its bigger brother, but in a more compact size. Perfect for EDC around town and in the backcountry. As with our other AT designated folder models, this folder is built with 100% non-ferrous materials, non-magnetic, and rust proof. A pivot with ceramic bearings creates a smooth action and the dive watch grade glow-in-the-dark cabochons inlaid in the dual thumbstuds round out the finer details.”

The Invictus-ATC will be available in 3 different handle options all with a titanium frame locking side, on their website at 12:00pm Pacific, January 26th, 2021.

Posted in Knives, Press Release | 1 Comment »

SENTRY Products Group CEO, Mike Noell, Talks to The Mentors Radio

Tuesday, January 26th, 2021

Former Navy SEAL and successful serial entrepreneur, Mike Noell, chats with host and entrepreneurial CEO Tom Loarie on life, business, and lessons learned.

Virginia Beach, Va. (January 2021) – Founder and CEO of SENTRY Products Group, LLC™, Mike Noell, spent some time with The Mentors Radio host and fellow entrepreneur, Tom Loarie, on a podcast on Jan. 6, 2021.

The Mentors Radio features three entrepreneurial CEOs hosting top-performing innovators, advisors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs from around the globe. The podcasts provide listeners with the backgrounds and stories behind some of the most successful brands and companies. Digging into their guests’ life stories, The Mentors Radio hosts reveal the business practices, life lessons, and sometimes, difficult decisions leaders make every day.

On Jan. 6, 2021, The Mentors Radio host, Tom Loarie, spoke with Mike Noell, former Navy SEAL, former founder and CEO of BLACKHAWK!, and current founder and CEO of SENTRY Products Group, LLC, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Host Tom started right off by asking Mike about his “Aha!” business moment. Mike’s moment came while as a Navy SEAL during the first Gulf War in 1991. His SEAL unit was teamed up with Marines on a mission of deep reconnaissance and to provide the Kurdish people with humanitarian relief at the southern border of Turkey during the no-fly initiative established by the US. Wearing loaded packs weighing over 100 lbs., he and his team inserted via helicopters 60 kilometers into Northern Iraq. As fate would have it, the strap on Mike’s backpack broke and took him down with the fallout. A Bouncing Betty mine greeted him, just inches from where he fell. What could have been a catastrophe to him and his team, became Mike’s “come to Jesus” moment where he decided that if he got out of there alive, he would create gear that would never fail a warfighter. This would be the birth of BLACKHAWK!

For many in the military, and specifically the special operations groups, the BLACKHAWK! brand was the epitome tactical gear brand in the world for over a decade and was synonymous with superior mission-designed products. In April of 2010, the company was purchased by ATK. The resounding success of the BLACKHAWK! brand and eventual sale, left many in the industry assuming Mike Noell had successfully retired from the highly competitive world of designing and manufacturing gear.

Mike’s history as a competitive athlete (swimming) and competitive sailor, combined with his service as a Navy SEAL prepared him for a high-octane life, so retirement was not an option. This year marks the fifth year of SENTRY Products Group and the year Mike believes the brand will show significant growth in the marketplace, through their combined efforts of product launches, marketing, and sales. SENTRY Products Group is just the latest entrepreneurial passion of Mike and his team of former BLACKHAWK! executives to showcase and bring a variety of products to the market for law enforcement, military, security, and outdoor communities.

His years as a Navy SEAL had provided Mike with some of the critical skills he would take into the business world, such as to never quit, that failure is not an option, and to not try, but do. Combined with his father’s experience as a problem solver and entrepreneur, Mike’s initial endeavor into the cut and sew business for his military pals was not easy. “We started in a garage. All the gear that our guys were using was old and out of date with all the new electronics that they started to carry in the field. They needed new pouches and load-bearing systems. It was a time of transitioning out of the Vietnam era and into today where our special operators and specifically the Navy SEALS needed to accomplish their missions better and faster, and gear was critical to their success.”

BLACKHAWK! grew and over the years, Mike brought on a team of experts in their chosen fields that took the brand to the very top of its category in brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sales figures. After over a decade, Mike realized that to continue the rapid growth and technologies required to keep the company at the top spot, a financial partner was essential. Instead of a partner, the company was sold and Mike quietly went into a semi-retirement state.

“I didn’t have a good work-life balance and running a company like BLACKHAWK! was a 24/7 job. I took some time with my family and to regroup,” Mike reflected when asked by the host how he brought balance into his life. “My passion is in helping those on the line by providing them with the tools they need to make their missions successful, so after some time for reflection, I jumped back into the business world with SENTRY Products Group. At SENTRY, I now have the A-team from BLACKHAWK!, and over the past five years we have made four acquisitions, brought back our production facilities, and have some great new and innovative products lined up for release.”

Mike wrapped up his hour-long interview by telling listeners that what drives him is his customer base and what he and his team can do to make their jobs and lives more successful. “Find your passion and pursue it.”

To hear the full podcast and SENTRY Products Group CEO Mike Noell talk about what he learned from his time with the Navy SEALS and as a founder of two highly innovative companies, visit www.thementorsradio.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »